Author: Scott & Rhonda

Some information about Hangovers

Welcome to a new year and the first post of 2023.

For many people the first day of a new year starts with a hangover. So I thought that I would explore this topic.

Now we all know that the consumption of a substantial amount of alcohol is the usual cause of a hangover. Previously I have written about how the body processes alcohol.

This time I thought I would explore what is going on in the body to cause this unpleasant after effect?

What is a ‘hangover’?

Wikipedia states – A hangover is the experience of various unpleasant physiological and psychological effects usually following the consumption of alcohol.

In addition, hangover characteristics may depend on the type of alcoholic beverage consumed and the amount a person drinks. Typically, a hangover begins within several hours after the person has stopped drinking and the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is falling. Symptoms usually peak about the time BAC is zero and may continue for up to 24 hours after.

The chemical process

As previously covered, the liver processes the alcohol in 2 steps. It uses an enzyme in the liver cells – alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) to break down ethanol in the blood into another compound, acetaldehyde. Which is actually toxic.

Next, another enzyme, called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) breaks it down further into acetate, which is not toxic.

Normally, acetaldehyde is quickly converted to acetate and excreted from the body. But when lot of alcohol is consumed, the liver may not convert the acetaldehyde as quickly as usual. It may have built up enough in the body to cause the nausea, vomiting and sweating of a hangover.

There is more to the hangover, however, than just acetaldehyde. Another contributor to the hangover is methanol, another fermentation product found in alcoholic beverages, luckily in small amounts because methanol is highly toxic. Like its ethanol partner, the same enzymes metabolise methanol as ethanol. The only difference is that this time the compounds created are formaldehyde and formic acid, which are extremely toxic.

So what factors are contributing to feeling unwell?
  • Mild dehydration: Alcohol increases urination and excess loss of fluids. The mild dehydration that results contributes symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, and a headache.
  • Disrupted sleep: People may fall asleep faster after drinking alcohol, but their sleep is fragmented. This is because the body is rebounding from the depressive effect of alcohol, disturbing normal sleep rhythm. This contributes to fatigue, as well as lost productivity.
  • Gastrointestinal irritation: Alcohol directly irritates the lining of the stomach and increases acid release. This can lead to nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort.
  • Inflammation: Alcohol increases inflammation in the body similar to when you have an infection. This then causes the feelings of nausea, headache, chills and tiredness.
Avoiding a hangover

Paying attention to the quantity and quality of alcohol consumed can have a significant effect on preventing hangover. Hangover symptoms are less likely to occur if a person drinks only small, non-intoxicating amounts.

Even among people who drink to intoxication, those who consume lower amounts of alcohol appear less likely to develop a hangover than those who drink higher amounts. Hangovers are not usually associated with drinking beverages that contain low alcohol content. And lastly, including more water between drinks can reduce the dehydration caused by the alcohol.

Because individuals are so different, it is difficult to predict how many drinks will cause a hangover. Any time people drink to intoxication, there is a chance they could have a hangover the next day.

We hope you found this information interesting and/or helpful.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources – McGill University, Office for Science and Society – National Library of Medicine  – National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholisA

Merry Christmas and goodbye 2022

Well, the year has flown by and it’s Christmas again.

We have enjoyed researching and sharing information on Shingles, Man Flu, Memory Loss and Depression, to list a few.

We have also enjoyed making Chocolate Brownies, Cookies, Mug cakes and a Cauliflower Curry.

We are looking forward to researching and sharing more information with you in 2023. We will also be working towards expanding this humble blog space into a business website.

As we say good-bye to 2022, we wish you all a Merry Christmas. May you find the time to spend it with those you hold dear.


Till the next post – next year,

 

Live clean n Prosper

A medicinal plant called Moringa

Todays post is about a medicinal plant called Moringa, or specifically Moringa oleifera.

We were recently made aware of the existence of the plant, which seems to have several medicinal benefits.

So Scott has done research and I have shared some of what he has found.

First, what is Moringa?

It’s a tropical tree that can withstand both severe drought and mild frost conditions. It is widely cultivated across the world and there are several varieties. It is a plant native to India and other countries, however the most studied variety, Moringa oleifera, comes from south Asia. It has many common names, such as mother’s best friend, the miracle tree, the never die tree, the ben oil tree and is also often called the drumstick tree or ‘horseradish tree’ because of its skinny, foot-long pods.

Moringa is an important food source in some parts of the world. It can be grown cheaply and easily, and retains much of its nutritional value when dried. Almost all of the plant is edible and every part of the tree is suitable for either nutritional or commercial purposes.

It has a long history

Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for thousands of years. It was discovered in northern India around 2000 BC. Traditional doctors quickly discovered its medicinal impact and called it “The Miracle Tree”. Aristocracy and members of royal families were taking Moringa for its beneficial effects on mental alertness and healthy skin.

The ancient Egyptians highly valued Moringa oil or Ben Oil, which was used instead of sunscreen. However, it was the ancient Greeks, who discovered a number of other valuable Moringa effects on human health.

Today, you can find quality Moringa in Australia, the Philippines, eastern India, China, South Africa and Southeast Asia.

So, what are its health benefits?

Since its discovery, Indians and Africans have used nearly every part of this plant to treat more than 300 different ailments. Recent research is also indicating that several of its active constituents have validity in modern medicine.

The plant is very rich in healthy antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds. The presence of these phytochemicals makes it a good medicinal agent.

Several studies have shown that, Moringa leaves can act as an anti-diabetic agent. This is due to the presence of certain flavanoids. It’s the presence of these flavanoids that also give the leaves the anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease inflammation and reduce pain.

As a food source in some parts of the world, the plant’s peppery leaves are often eaten as a vegetable. They’re also dried and ground into a powder used in soups and curries. They alone are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. They contain Protein, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin A, Calcium and Magnesium. The presence of these minerals and vitamins can help in boosting the immune system.

Compared to the leaves, the pods are generally lower in vitamins and minerals. However, they are exceptionally rich in vitamin C. The seeds are also beneficial, containing oleic acid (Ben oil), an antibiotic called pterygospermin, and fatty acids.

In many Western countries, the dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or capsule form.

 

So it would seem that this plant really does have a lot to offer; however more study is required regarding its medicinal benefits in this modern world.

As always, it is recommended that you seek advise from your chosen health professional before consuming this product as a supplement.

 

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources – (Science Direct – Academic Journals  –Healthline – Web MD )